Exclusive Chit Chit With Yesteryear Actress Harpreet Deol (Preeto Of Laung Da Lishkara)
Everyone remembers the innocent face of Preeto from the 1983 blockbuster Laung Da Lishkara and for those who are unaware of her, she is none other than Punjabi actress Harpreet Deol. Though a one film wonder, Harpreet made sure that her presence in her film made her the talk of town and not just in that era but for years altogether.
She could have given a tough competition to the then top actresses Daljit Kaur & Preeti Sapru, but chose to remain away from the film industry. Her natural style of acting (if continued) might have encouraged more filmmakers to make movies based on social issues.
On YouTube videos of Laung Da Lishkara one can see many users often questioning her present whereabouts. Questions such as 'where is Peeto thesedays? 'Kithe Hai Ajjkal?' are most frequently asked, even on Quora.
So, for all those who kept hunting for her present life and want to know more about Harpreet Deol Dosanjh better known as Preeto amongst the Punjabi film lovers, here's Ghaintpunjab's exclusive chit chat with her :
1. Harpreet Ji, let us start with your one and only film Laung Da Lishkara, how did you bag the role?
I was studying in Chandigarh when Mr and Mrs. Tiwana came to my college to meet a friend of their's, who happened to be my professor. They noticed me in the hostel and that's when Mrs. Tiwana felt that I was the perfect choice for Preeto's character. Later, they went on to enquire about me from my professor and at my end, I was pretty excited about doing a film.
2. How did your parents react to you working in a film?
They were totally against it!
I promised them that I will not take acting as my career and side by side Mrs. Tiwana also left no stone unturned to convince them. So finally, they were fine about me doing a film, but just one.
3. How was your experience like in Laung Da Lishkara?
I thoroughly enjoyed the process. It was a lifetime experience and I got to work under the direction of Harpal Tiwana -a big name in Punjabi theatre. Raj Babbar, Gurdas Maan, Mehar Mittal & Om Puri were big names even in those times. Nina Tiwana, Sardar Sohi & Nirmal Rishi were theatre veterans and I loved working with them.
4. Laung Da Lishkara was a big success, but you did not appear in any other movie after that. Why?
There were offers coming my way but I had to keep my promise. I had committed to my parents that I won't do any other film after Laung Da Lishkara, so I lived upto it. When Harpal Tiwana was starting his next film, producers wanted him to repeat me, but he knew it well that I won't be able to do it.
5.How was life after Laung Da Lishkara?
I was studying while doing Laung Da Lishkara, so I got a lot of attention most of the time. Post the release of the film, it was a bit difficult for me to step out. My marriage got fixed and shopping during that period was difficult as well as amusing at same time. After my marriage, I moved to America.
6.Tell us something about your family. Have they seen your film?
My family comprises of my husband, Dr. Gursharn Dosanjh, my two lovely daughters and a son. They all are very proud of the fact that I've done a film and at times even boast about it in front of their friends.
7. Would you like to do films again?
I've never really thought about it in all these years. I was always busy with my family, kids and commitments but now as you've asked me, I think yes but only if something good comes my way. So, yes and it depends on the kind of offer also.
8. Do you watch present day Punjabi movies? Any favourite artist?
Yes, I do watch movies but rarely. I've always been a fan of Dharam Ji (Dharmendra). Amongst the current segment, I think Gurpreet Ghuggi is a very good actor and Diljit is doing well too.
9. Any message for our readers?
I would like to thank GhaintPunjab for giving me the oppurtunity to share my thoughts. Also, a big thank you to all those who loved Laung Da Lishkara and appreciated my performance in it.
